The National Co.

For Mechanical & Electrical Works

Fire Fighting Victaulic Coupling to Contain

Construction Expansion &Contraction in Service
Tunnel

The American University in Cairo

New Campus Development

Egypt National For Mechanical & Rev: Date : 13- Aug.-

Page 1 of 3
Electrical A 2006
 The National Co.
For Mechanical & Electrical Works

A. Structural Expansion.

Expansion of concrete (according to attachment 1)= 0.010 mm/m/C. Distance

between expansion joints 30m.

The thickness of the concrete element (400mm) and the fact, that only one side of
the structure (inside the tunnel) is exposed to direct heat gains/ heat losses resulting
from changes in air temperature, the outside part of the concrete element is buried in
sand and therefore subject to minimal temperature differences, thus slowing down
the overall expansion and contraction movement. Based on this reflection, the
maximum temperature difference of the tunnel structure will not exceed 10C

Expected temperature difference of the concert (considering that no part of the

tunnel, where pipes are installed is exposed to the sun) 10C max.

Total expansion of construction (length 1500m) = 1500X0.010X10 = 150mm.

Expansion between 2 joints 30X0.010X10 = 3.0mm.

B. Expansion of Steel Pipe for Fire Fighting.

The total expansion of the fire fighting pipe over 30m = 4.8mm according to
submittal DC-238, see attachment 2.

C. Conclusion.

As the tunnel construction and the installed fire fighting pipe have a different
expansion, the expansion/ contraction ratio of the element with the higher
temperature related movement is the steel pipe. The expansion of the steel pipe
should be followed to evaluate the requirement of couplings in the fire fighting
piping.

The coupling type to be used is the approved Victaulic flexible coupling style 75, for
diameter 6" pipes (see MT-232. attachment 3). This coupling type and size allows
for an expansion for cut grooves 0-6.4mm, of which 25% should be reduced
according to be the manufacturers recommendations. Therefore the allowed
expansion is 75% of 6.4mm=4.8mm.

D. Proposal.

Egypt National For Mechanical & Rev: Date : 13- Aug.-

Page 2 of 3
Electrical A 2006
 The National Co.
For Mechanical & Electrical Works

By installing 1 flexible coupling Victaulic style 75 at each construction joint, the thermal
expansion of the 6" steel pipe and the thermal expansion of the concert would be
neutralized.

Egypt National For Mechanical & Rev: Date : 13- Aug.-

Page 3 of 3
Electrical A 2006